Government - Hastings Journal

Study recommends utility rate increases

Hastings utility customers can expect annual rate increases on their utility bills over the next nine years. That was the recommendation of a utility rate study presented to the Hastings City … more

By John McLoone | 9/28/23

City approves preliminary budget with 7.34 percent levy increase

The tax levy to support the preliminary 2024 City of Hastings budget would see a 7.34 percent increase from the city portion of the 2023 overall property tax bill. The Hastings City Council … more

By John McLoone | 9/28/23

HEDRA recommends approval of annual levy

The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA) recommended Hastings City Council approval of the annual levy on city property that support economic development functions. … more

By John McLoone | 9/22/23

City council OKs strategic plan

The Hastings City Council adopted a strategic plan at its meeting Monday, Sept. 4 that will guide city operations through 2027. The council and city department heads met in April with a … more

By John McLoone | 9/15/23

Police Chief Dave Wilske watched as the badge for new Hastings Police Department Officer James Domeier was pinned on his uniform by his wife, Emily, during the Hastings City Council meeting Monday, Sept. 4. Domeier is a Cottage Grove native with 12 years of experience in criminal justice. “We’re extremely proud to have James on our team,” said Wilske as he administered his Oath of Office.

City will vote on resolution for 2024 tax levy Monday

The Hastings City Council will vote at its Sept. 18 meeting on setting a proposed tax levy to support its 2024 budget. The council held a workshop prior to its Sept. 4 meeting to talk … more

By John McLoone | 9/14/23

Ramsey Street land division leads to bigger council discussion

Hastings City Council approval of a minor parcel subdivision on Ramsey Street at its meeting Monday, Sept. 4 turned into a larger discussion on crime problems in that neighborhood and rental … more

By John McLoone | 9/14/23

Hastings on board with plan for Dakota County to oversee absentee ballots

The Hastings City Council at its meeting Monday, Aug. 21 gave the go-ahead for the city to join a Dakota County initiative to centralize the absentee ballot process. City administrator … more

By John McLoone | 9/8/23

City council approves leasing of six pickup trucks, moving to five-year vehicle replacement program

The Hastings City Council is expected to review the 2024 budget at a workshop Tuesday, Sept. 5. However, because of the narrow window for ordering new vehicles, a plan for … more

By John McLoone | 8/31/23

A map showing PFAS testing of Minnesota municipal water systems. Yellow means water contains PFAS lower than a health index of one, considered safe under current guidelines. Purple means a current health risk above one. The green triangle means there’s no PFAS contamination present. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “If the Health Risk Index is less than one or equal to one, the PFAS levels in drinking water are considered safe for people to consume. An HRI above one indicates a potential he alth concern for the combined PFAS exposure.” It’s important to note that the Environmental Protection Agency has come out with more stringent guidelines expected to be adopted by the Department of Health in coming months.

City will have to act fast to fight PFAS

Drinking water sources in Minnesota currently facing contamination from PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl solution) contamination represent only about 1 percent of drinking water in the state. … more

By John McLoone | 8/31/23

Parks and Recreation Commission agrees to suggest ordinance changes to council

The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) met last week at the Parks Department to learn about the proposed signage upgrades for the 10-mile loop. After the presentation, they discussed proposed … more

By Bruce Karnick | 8/25/23

Parking study reveals free downtown parking is underutilized

New council member Tim Lawrence was welcomed and sworn in at the Monday, Aug. 7 Hastings City Council meeting. Soon after, Mayor Fasbender announced the council had three items to consider. Community … more

By Nicole Rogers | 8/20/23

Taking office

Hastings Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh administers the Oath of Office to incoming Ward 4 City Councilmember Timothy Lawrence at the start of the Hastings City Council meeting Monday … more

8/11/23

The location of a proposed commercial event space at 315 Pine Street.

Planning commission recommends approving a commercial event space

Hastings City Planner, Justin Fortney, presented a Special Use Permit for a Neighborhood Commercial Event Space located at 315 Pine Street in the former Thorwood Mansion. The lot is just over 0.5 … more

By Nicole Rogers | 8/4/23

VFW and Quality One donate second flag retirement box

Early in 2023, Mark Gelhar from the Hastings Veterans of Foreign Wars Lyle Russel Post 1210 (VFW) was shopping with Fleet Farm manager Marcie Jay for fishing poles to give away at the City of … more

By Bruce Karnick | 8/4/23

Lawrence to take seat on city council

Lifelong Hastings resident Timothy A. Lawrence was selected from seven candidates to fill the Ward 4 seat on the Hastings City Council. The city council held two nights of interviews and … more

By John McLoone | 8/4/23

Cannabis legal in state as of Tuesday

As of Tuesday, Aug. 1, Minnesota residents can possess, use and grow cannabis. The Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Tim Walz signed a new law in May making Minnesota one of 23 states, plus … more

By John McLoone | 7/27/23

Hastings isn't alone in PFAS battle

Hastings is not unlike many communities forced to deal with battling the presence of PFAS in groundwater. An engineering study received by the city earlier this year pegged the cost for removing … more

By John McLoone | 7/27/23

The location of the Shepard of the Valley Lutheran Church miner subdivision.

Park dedication fee schedule set to increase with the times

At the July 17 Hastings City Council meeting, Community Development Director John Hinzman reviewed the second readings of two ordinances related to parkland dedication. “What we're … more

By Nicole Rogers | 7/27/23

Luke Siewert of River City Investments, LLC addressed the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority about an apartment building he intends to build on E. 3rd Street.

HEDRA grants extension for downtown apartment project

The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority gave a one-year extension to a developer for the purchase of a downtown property at 317 E. 3 rd St. at its meeting Thursday night. … more

By John McLoone | 7/21/23

The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority has purchased several in the 400 block of Vermillion Street and has plans to buy two more in coming years.

HEDRA seeks $500,000 to continue purchasing buildings in 400 block of Vermillon

The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority is seeking a $500,000 allocation from the 2024 city budget to continue purchasing property in what’s referred to as block 28. That … more

By John McLoone | 7/20/23